If you work in construction, local government, civil infrastructure, mining, or event planning in Western Australia, chances are you’ve come across the term Traffic Management Plan (TMP). But what does a TMP actually involve, and when is it legally required?
This guide breaks down the essentials, focusing on WA requirements, practical examples, and how infrastructure such as CCTV poles can support safer worksites.
What is traffic management?
Traffic management refers to the planning and control of how vehicles, machinery, cyclists, and pedestrians move around a worksite or public road environment. The goal is simple: reduce the risk of collisions, keep people safe, and maintain efficient movement.
Traffic management may include:
- Physical controls (signage, cones, barriers, delineation)
- Engineering controls (boom gates, CCTV systems, lighting)
- Procedural controls (induction, supervision, communication systems)
These controls are part of a broader responsibility to manage traffic hazards “so far as reasonably practicable,” as outlined in national WHS guidance.
What is a traffic management plan (TMP)?
A Traffic Management Plan is a site-specific document that details how traffic risks will be identified, controlled, and monitored. A TMP may include both drawings and written procedures. A well-prepared Traffic Management Plan typically covers:
- Site layout diagrams showing vehicle routes, pedestrian paths, entry and exit points
- Traffic control devices such as signage, barriers, cones, and lighting
- Interaction management, for example, how plants, vehicles, and pedestrians are kept separate
- Roles and responsibilities (traffic controllers, supervisors, spotters)
- Communication systems (radios, signage, monitoring systems)
- Emergency and incident procedures
- Review process, recognising that TMPs must change as site conditions change
For works on public roads in WA, TMPs must follow the Main Roads WA Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice, which aligns with the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) and AS 1742.3.
When is a traffic management plan required in WA?
A TMP is required when work affects public traffic—whether vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist—on or near a public road or road reserve. Below are the main triggers in WA:
1. Works On or Near Public Roads
Any activity that impacts a public road, footpath, or road reserve requires a TMP.
Examples include:
- Roadworks and maintenance
- Lane closures or detours
- Crane lifts over the road reserve
- Verge works affecting pedestrian access
- Events impacting roads or pathways
These works may also require:
- A permit from Main Roads WA or the local council
- A TMP prepared by an accredited person (e.g., RTM or AWTM)
2. High-Risk Construction Work Near Public Roads
Under WHS legislation, “work on or near a public road” is considered high-risk construction work, meaning you must have:
- A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), and
- Traffic controls (which may be documented in a TMP)
3. Private Worksites (Warehouses, Mines, Industrial Sites)
These sites must still manage traffic hazards under WHS duties, but a formal TMP is not always mandatory.
Instead, the requirement is that you:
- Identify traffic risks
- Implement effective controls
- Document the system (this may be a TMP depending on complexity)
In high-risk or large sites, preparing a TMP is a best practice.
How CCTV camera poles support traffic management
While CCTV camera poles are not a required component of TMPs under WA regulations, they are increasingly used as a risk-control and monitoring tool, especially on complex or high-traffic sites.
CCTV poles support traffic management by enabling:
- Real-Time Visibility
- Supervisors can monitor vehicle movements, detect hazards, and respond quickly.
- Incident Review & Compliance Evidence
Footage can assist with:
- Reviewing the effectiveness of a TMP
- Investigating incidents or near misses
- Improving site layout and control measures
- Reduced Personnel Exposure
Remote monitoring reduces the need for workers to be physically present in hazardous zones.
CCTV camera poles & infrastructure by G&S Industries
Based in Osborne Park, G&S Industries manufactures galvanised steel CCTV poles designed for WA conditions. While not a regulatory requirement, these poles support safer site monitoring and traffic-control operations. G&S Industries supplies camera poles that are:
- Available as fixed, tapered, or mid-hinged CCTV poles
- Design compliant with structural standards (e.g., AS/NZS 1170 for wind loading)
- Powder-coated or galvanised finishes
- Custom mounting plates and camera brackets
- Options suitable for temporary works or permanent infrastructure
Best practices for developing a traffic management plan in WA
A Traffic Management Plan is a critical tool for keeping workers and the public safe whenever activities impact traffic, particularly on or near public roads in Western Australia. While TMPs may not be legally required for all private worksites, managing traffic risks remains an ongoing WHS obligation.
Here are some tips for developing a traffic management plan:
- Plan early, assess traffic risks before work starts
- Use qualified TMP designers when working on public roads
- Review your TMP regularly as site conditions change
- Implement layered controls, not just signage
- Consider monitoring tools (like CCTV) when risks justify them
- Choose a robust infrastructure suited to the site environment
Looking for camera poles for traffic monitoring?
Modern tools like CCTV monitoring can strengthen your risk controls and support continuous improvement. G&S Industries continues to support WA organisations with robust, compliant CCTV pole solutions built for local conditions and safety-critical applications. Contact our friendly team today!